Electric Water Heater Picture Page
“Toggle” manual release
Example of a water heater’s high-temp pressure relief safety
valve. Valve is “typically” designed to discharge if the water
heater’s pressure exceeds 150-PSI or the water temp
approaches 210-degrees. Valve should be visibly checked at
point of discharge (PVC line at base of valve or outside the
house). If valve is leaking it may need to be replaced.
Valve’s toggle test lever on top can also be lifted to manually
discharge water from the heater (be certain water is not
leaking past valve after testing).
This information is not meant to be all-inclusive but is
given as FYI to the Homeowner.
The "typical" life expectancy for an electric water heater can range
between 10-12 years. Proper care & maintenance can extend or
maximize the life expectancy.
Most manufacturers recommend annual flushing of their units.
"Typical" steps to draining or flushing a water heater;
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♦ turn off the power at the breaker,
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♦ attach hose to the drain valve,
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♦ turn off the cold water supply valve (located at water supply
line to unit),
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♦ open hot water tap at kitchen sink (breaks vacum),
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♦ open the drain valve and drain the unit,
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♦ Make sure water is drained off to a suitable area (sewer, drain,
etc.),
turn
the water supply back on, when the water from the drain
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runs clear shut the drain valve,
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♦ fill the tank, close tap in kitchen and return power to the unit.
Location of low voltage reset button is “typically” on the top
water heater thermostat. If water heater stops producing hot
water check reset button before calling a plumber or repair
tech. If reset continues to trip there is an electrical problem
needing attention.
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♦ Consult your owner's manual for complete
SAFETY & PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
details.
Temperature settings above 125-degrees
greatly increase the risk for injury or scalding.
It is suggested that for safety and liability reasons both upper
and lower thermostats be set below 125-degrees.
A Water Heater installed in an attic or other interior living space should
be sitting inside a "drip pan" that has its drain plumbed outside or to an
appropriate drain.
The temperature/pressure relief valve's "discharge pipe" is typically
plumbed to the exterior of the structure. If it is not it should be plumbed
to an appropriate area (i.e.: "drip pan", drain, etc). If water heater is
installed in a garage and is not plumbed outside for safety reasons the
pipe should extend to within 6" of the floor.
Graphics and information on the "Picture Pages" are included in this report for Homeowner educational and informational purposes
ONLY and do not necessarily represent the condition of the inspected item, system, or component.